Our Story

Thank you for visiting our site. Alloro closed its doors on January 24th after 6 years of having the pleasure of serving

many wonderful guests on the Upper East Side. Chef Salvatore has returned to his first restaurant, Cacio e Pepe. He is also available to cook for you and your guests in the comfort of your own home.

Please visit him at Cacio e Pepe at 182 Second Avenue, between 11th and 12th streets and

Email us anytime at chefsalvatorecorea@gmail.com

The Story Behind Alloro

Salvatore and Gina have always dreamed of having an old-fashioned family-run business. In June of 2008, Salvatore and Gina together with their friends and family celebrated the opening of Alloro.

“Alloro” is Italian for Laurel as in laurel bay leaves. Gina and Salvatore chose this name because Salvatore loves to cook with it, because it carries centuries of symbolism and because it is a perennial green herb (many of you know green is a favorite color of the Corea family).

In the summer, one can enjoy an Alloro sorbet while in the winter it accompanies meat dishes in a jus lie reduction. “Alloro” is not to be confused with “Allora” which translates to “well then…” One may of course use them in the same sentence as in “Allora, andiamo ad Alloro!”

Chef Salvatore Corea was born in Albi, a small town of about 800 inhabitants, in the province of Catanzaro in the Calabria region of Italy. Calabria is known for its homegrown vegetables, fruits and especially for its homemade olive oil and wine. Salvatore grew up on freshly grown foods all his life and was surrounded by women who harvested and cooked delicious, labor-intensive food. Chef Corea discovered his passion for home-style cooking at a young age in his mother’s kitchen.

At 20, Salvatore enrolled in a local hotel management school where he would study to be a waiter. After noting he was too anxiety ridden to even carry a tray to a table, he quit. He began to think back to cooking with his mother and to his time in the service. While serving his mandatory one-year in the military, Salvatore quickly moved from the firing range to the kitchen. He was such a poor shot; his superior traded his rifle for a vegetable peeler. He knew the kitchen was his place.

At 22, Salvatore moved north to Le Marche to work for his older brother where he was again handed the vegetable peeler. Here he confirmed two things: the kitchen is where he belongs and brothers are better off working separately. He moved to Rome in search of a cooking job.

While cooking Roman dishes in an Irish pub, he met an American English teacher named Gina. Melissa was Gina’s roommate and worked in the pub as a waitress. She insisted on a blind date for Gina and Salvatore. Gina declined claiming she was done with Italian men! However, one night Gina ate Salvatore’s food. It was love at first bite! She was hooked after her first dish of Stracchetti con Rucola e Parmigiano.

Soon after their first date, Salvatore was offered the position of Executive Chef at La Torre, renowned restaurant on the exclusive Island of Giannutri in Tuscany. Salvatore bargained for an agreement that would include Gina coming along to learn to wait tables. The two worked side by side for two consecutive summers.

After living in Rome together for 4 years, in 1998 the two decided to move to New York, Gina’s hometown. Chef Corea held the Executive Chef position at Va Tutto!, La Gioconda, La Giara, and Baraonda.

Chef Corea has opened several successful restaurants since coming to NYC as chef/partner: Cacio e Pepe in the East Village, Spiga on the Upper West Side and Bocca in Gramercy. When Salvatore realized that the best partner is a life partner, he sold his shares. He remains a partner in Cacio e Pepe and is the co-owner of Alloro with his wife, Gina.

Salvatore and Gina live one block away from Alloro, on 77th Street with their two girls, Giada and Maila. They spend their days with the girls and their nights at Alloro where they were always looking forward to welcoming you to their cozy restaurant. On January 24, 2015 Alloro closed its doors after six years of welcoming wonderful guests from all over the world. Salvatore will return to Cacio e Pepe and hopes to see you there!

Creative Italian Cuisine at the Best Italian Restaurant Upper East Side

Are you searching for the best Italian restaurant? New York City restaurants can discover creative cuisine served in a family-run Italian restaurant. Whether searching for a wine bar Upper East Side or the ideal spot for lunch, Upper East Side is home to Alloro. Founded by husband and wife team Salvatore and Gina, Alloro fulfills their desire to operate an old-fashioned family-run business. With the expertise of chef Salvatore, the menu boasts delicious and creative items with authentic Italian flavors. When you’re looking for a great spot for creative cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, this is the place for you. Find out more about what you can find at Alloro.

Alloro Features:

Events—Enjoy wonderful events year round, including an Italian-inspired Thanksgiving feast and more.

Private Events—Book the Alloro private room, which accommodates up to 25 people. This is the ideal locale for wedding receptions, baptism celebrations, engagement parties, birthdays, and more.

Menus—We feature a seasonal menu, which highlights the best in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn feasts, a menu for lunch Upper East Side, desserts, and a full cocktail/wine list.

When you include Alloro in your day or night, you’ll become part of the family. Find out why this is the premier Italian restaurant New York City.

Year Round Cuisine To Make Any Event Special

When you dine with us, you’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind menu created by a true Italian chef. Born in the small town of Albi in the Italian province of Catanzaro, Salvatore has traditional Italian roots and a unique creativity. With these skills, the menu of Alloro was born. From summertime treats to help you cool off to deliciously warm meals to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night, the Alloro menu has something to offer everyone. Whether in search of a location for a romantic dinner or you are looking for wine bars, Upper East Side residents can count on the Alloro team to treat them like a part of the family.

With a passion for food, family, and creating the most comfortable atmosphere for patrons, Salvatore and Gina have enjoyed making Alloro a part of their family since 2008. As the top Italian restaurant Upper East Side, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Italian feast, celebrate a special event, or enjoy a relaxing lunch. Upper East Side boasts the best Italian restaurant in New York City with Alloro. Book your special event today and enjoy personalized attention you won’t find elsewhere.

Find out why Alloro is the leader in wine bars Upper East Side. If you’d like to book a party or you have comments/questions, please feel free to contact Salvatore and Gina. Contact Alloro by calling (212) 535-2866 or emailing Info@AlloroNYC.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon.